The Department of Environment & Conservation, governed by the state of Tennessee, is responsible for the protection and improvement of state s land, air, water and recreation resources. The department safeguards the health and safety of the citizens of the state from environmental hazards. It also manages the Tennessee State Parks system. The Department of Environment & Conservation receives funding from the state general funds and fees and state parks revenues. The department has approximately 3,200 employees. It is an environmental and natural resource regulatory agency. The Department of Environment & Conservation offers a program of grants and loans to assist local communities with the development and maintenance of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The department manages more than 50 state parks and over 75 state natural areas that encompass nearly 185,000 acres of land.